The Magpies' owner Mike Ashley has made no secret of his desire to sell the club in the past, twice failing to offload the Tyneside outfit.

But the appearance of financier Amande Staveley in the directors box during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday sparked rumours that a new takeover bid may be in the pipeline.

And according to the Telegraph, Staveley met with Ashley's associate Justin Barnes, as well as managing director Lee Charnley and PR man Keith Bishop after the match.

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“Amanda Staveley is interested in a couple of English clubs”

The publication reports talks are at an early stage but have progressed since Sunday's clash with the Merseyside club.

However, although Staveley has made contact with Newcastle’s board, a deal is by no means close to being finalised.

Sources close to Yorkshire-born businesswoman, who is renowned for her ties with businesses in the Middle East, stressed she is merely exploring her options at this stage and has an interest in three Premier League clubs, as she looks to invest in football.

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Amanda Staveley has shown as interest in Newcastle and reached out to the club's hierarchy

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Staveley was in the directors box as Newcastle took on Liverpool

Although the fact she has reached out to Barnes is a clear indication that her interest may be serious.

The 44-year-old has twice previously tried to purchase Liverpool, with the latest bid coming last summer.

Newcastle have been up for sale since the end of May, but despite interest from parties, no official bid has been lodged.

Ashley, who has played the role of the pantomime villain in the North East in recent years, is unlikely to sell the club on the cheap, meaning any future negotiations may take time.